Your starter for 10: which higher education institution is the most successful
in the history of University Challenge? The answer hangs in the
balance, but last night the University of Manchester drew one step closer to
its Oxford rival.

After beating Bangor, Manchester is through to the final of the television
quiz show and one episode away from drawing equal with Magdalen College,
Oxford — the only team to have won four series titles.

To the architect of Manchester’s three trophies in seven years, catching up
with Magdalen will settle a very personal score. “It will be quite
satisfying, because it